David's peach (mountain peach) Prunus davidiana
David's peach (mountain peach) (Prunus davidiana) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Rosaceae family, native to Northern China (mountain slopes); first blossom of the Beijing spring. It grows 5–10 m (16–33 ft) tall and 4–7 m (13–23 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
Plan David's peach (mountain peach) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
David's peach (mountain peach) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Mature height | 5–10 m (16–33 ft) |
| Mature spread | 4–7 m (13–23 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Northern China (mountain slopes); first blossom of the Beijing spring |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China |
Is David's peach (mountain peach) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: seeds, leaves, bark
Prunus kernels and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with David's peach (mountain peach)
Good neighbours
- good With Garlic chives: Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal. Evidence D
See David's peach (mountain peach) in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- China National Botanical Garden (12 plants)
Questions about David's peach (mountain peach)
- How far apart should I plant David's peach (mountain peach)?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 4–7 m (13–23 ft).
- Does David's peach (mountain peach) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does David's peach (mountain peach) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is David's peach (mountain peach)?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does David's peach (mountain peach) flower?
- From about March for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is David's peach (mountain peach) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Prunus kernels and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides.
- What grows well with David's peach (mountain peach)?
- Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora of China, Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria (eFloras)
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Blooms on bare branches in March, before any other tree in the Western Hills; glossy, cherry-like bark.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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